Used car dealership opens

The empty lot at the corner of Highways 23 and 55 is busy with activity again as First Premier Motor Company moved to town last week.

Dan and Renee Kallevig of Waite Park moved First Premier Motor Company and its inventory of more than 40 used cars, trucks, and campers to Paynesville.

A native of Wadena, Dan has been selling cars since he was a child. His father owns two dealerships in Wadena. "Our goal is to offer the best cars for the best price," he said.

Dan has owned his business for three years. Like his parents, Dan wanted to find a small town to locate his business where he could raise a family someday.

"We looked at several towns from Wisconsin to North Dakota but liked Paynesville the best," said Renee. "When we saw the corner lot, we thought it was an awesome location." The corner lot had been without a business since 1998.

They wanted to locate the business some place between the Twin Cities and their parents. His parents live in Wadena, and hers in Fergus Falls.

Before making the decision to move here, they asked different people in St. Cloud about Paynesville. "We heard nothing but good things about the community," Dan said.

Renee said everything fit together in a few days. "We felt this is where we are supposed to be," she added

The Kallevigs like the idea of being in a small town with a friendly atmosphere and less stress. They like to waterski, snow ski, and play volleyball.